Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Now that we’re in the midst of spring, it’s the perfect time to tend to some home maintenance projects. In our region especially, many homeowners work to get all of their projects done before the season’s end. We’ll review some of the most important tasks that need to be done, and discuss why time is of the essence. Read our spring home maintenance tips below.

Clean & Repair the Gutters

Here in Florida, we like to pack all of our weather extremes into a single period. From June 1st to November 30th, we’re officially in hurricane season. So not only are we dealing with the sweltering heat and humidity of a sub-tropical summer, we’re also bracing against the heavy storms that wash in from the Atlantic.

As such, summer and early fall always bring an abundance of debris down on our rooftops. Gutters that are still full from last year’s weather turbulence will quickly be overwhelmed once this summer hits. Overstressed gutters can prevent your roof from draining properly, and can even buckle under the weight of leaves and twigs. Clean them out before that happens and you’ll spare yourself a major headache.

Inspect Your Roof for Vulnerabilities

Those weather woes don’t stop at the gutters. If your roof is aging, or it got beat up during the previous hurricane season, you’ll need to evaluate whether or not it can take more punishment.

Often, a little maintenance in the form of quick repairs is enough to get you through another year. But a trained expert should be the one to make that determination. Plenty of local contractors offer free roof inspections – a service you should take advantage of quickly so that problems can be fixed before spring is through.

Fix Up Your Home’s Exterior

If your home’s outer walls have begun to show signs of wear, it isn’t going to hold up well through the summer. Harsh rains and storms are only going to worsen the damage. Moreover, the areas where paint has peeled away or your siding has cracked create an open path for water to soak into your home’s interior structure.

Once that happens, there’s a high likelihood of mold and rot developing. Affected materials often may need to be completely demolished and rebuilt. Resolving your exterior issues now, before the worst of the rain comes, will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

Spruce Up Your AC System

Is your AC ready for the summer heat? It’s best to find out before temperatures get scalding. You’ll need to go over all points of your system to ensure everything is running optimally.

First, replace the filters inside your home. This will keep your air clean and healthy, minimizing irritation from allergens and dust. Next, clear out the vents – a favorite habitat of dustbunnies.

When it comes to your actual AC unit, it’s recommended that you get it professionally serviced. Technicians will clean the machine’s own vents and filters, as well as other components like its evaporator coil, condenser, and drain. Servicing also includes a complete checkup that looks for leaks and mechanical trouble. Having servicing done regularly can help you avoid breakdowns and dysfunction when you need cooling the most.

Check for Pests

It may always feel like bug season in Florida, but every local knows it turns downright apocalyptic in the summer. The extra warmth and humidity makes the perfect conditions for both mating and hatching, so you’re bound to see swarms.

Look for signs of these little pests on both the inside and outside of your home. Small clusters of brown or black specks (insect droppings) and holes eaten into wood or other materials are indicative of nesting. Take care to eliminate attractive hiding spots and breeding grounds, such as:

• Leaf litter
• Overgrown grass
• Dense bushes
• Standing water
• Trash
• Clogged gutters
• Outdoor lighting
• Dirty barbecue grills
• Pet food & bird seed

Amorous lovebugs in particular are a nuisance from May to September. Some homes get smothered by these insects, who are attracted to bright colors. If your house is regularly a victim of these lovebug attacks, painting your home a darker hue can alleviate the problem.

Whether you already have an infestation or you’re trying to prevent your home from becoming a target, calling out a professional pest control agency can help. They’ll be able to spray repellent solutions around your home’s doors and windows, as well as any other points vulnerable to insect entry.

Upgrading Your Florida Home

Some homes can make it feel like you’re stuck in a neverending maintenance marathon. Before you can tend to one issue, another one calls for immediate attention. This is a common problem for older homes in our area, which have unfortunately succumbed to a lifetime battling the sub-tropical climate.

Many homeowners who find themselves in this situation want to start fresh, with a modern build that features better materials and solid construction. Building a custom home up to today’s standards has the reward of lower maintenance needs, and a dependability that will last for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about how a custom home can be the upgrade you need, we invite you to come visit one of our model homes in Englewood, Port Charlotte, or North Port. You’ll see our work on full display, and have the opportunity to ask all the questions you have. Stop on by during opening hours at your own convenience. If you’d like to talk directly to a member of our design team, contact us today.